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Your support keeps truth alive in Decorah—donate to local news today! DECORAH —Every June brings the longest day of the year—the summer solstice, the day with the most sunlight. Though this year's solstice falls on June 20, Brecka Putnam of Decorah joined a team of cyclists on Saturday, June 14, in Cedar Rapids to pedal for a cause close to her heart. The Longest Day® is an annual event organized by the Alzheimer's Association that invites participants across the country to "fight the darkness" of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias by doing what they love—from card games to cooking to sports—all in the name of raising awareness and funds for care, support and research. Putnam is a member of Bikes Behind Brains, a cycling group that participates in The Longest Day. This year, the team rode 25 miles in Cedar Rapids, raising $23,000 toward their $25,000 goal with support pouring in from Decorah and beyond. For Putnam, the ride is a personal tribute to her late father, who lived with Lewy body dementia before his death in 2022. "While he was alive, he participated in a clinical trial to help advance research and made it known that he wished to donate his brain to research when he died," Putnam said. "He knew that no amount of research could save him, but wanted to help future patients. I also want to help future families, so I'm picking up where he left off." This year marked Putnam's fourth ride with the team. She first joined through a connection made by Steve White, a close friend of her father's, who introduced her to a cyclist whose mother had also passed from Alzheimer's. "My dad loved biking, socializing over beverages, and helping others," Putnam said. "So participating in this event is the perfect way to honor him." For those who aren't cyclists, there are still ways to support the cause. Tax-deductible donations can be made through Putnam's fundraising page at act.alz.org/goto/brecka. Community members can also get involved by volunteering at next year's ride or by supporting events like Decorah's Women's Weekend Out Craft and Vendor Show, which contributes proceeds to the team's fundraising total. "People from the Decorah area have been incredibly generous in donating to the Alzheimer's Association through this event," she said. "We're still around $2,000 short of our goal and hope to make it to $25,000." Putnam is already planning to return for the 2026 ride and is encouraging others to join her. "The ride itself is a lot of fun, and Cedar Rapids is very bike-friendly," she said. "I'll be riding again in 2026, and would love to see more people join us. I'm so thankful for everyone's support this year." For more information on The Longest Day, visit alz.org/thelongestday. Become a part of the exclusive circle! Subscribe to the newsletter for free and gain access to special offers, bonus content and insider perks.

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Riding Toward the Light: Decorah Local Advocates for Annual Alzheimer's Fundraiser